Jean Patou By Coco Chanel

Jean Patou was a contemporary of Coco Chanel whose short, enigmatic life and extensive, ground-breaking work though- not as known and recognised as Chanel's- burst with flamboyant enthusiasm and revolutionary ideas and developments that quite clearly set him apart from those around him. Whether in his understanding of the nature of diversifying, of marketing and of promoting ( both himself and his creations), or of defining a concept which today would be recognised as the "brand" of a fashion-house, Patou's garments, his design style, his aesthetic attitude and perception, have significantly influenced the fashion world of today and the heritage he has left is a valuable, considerable and considerably colourful one!

In 1912 the House Of Patou was conceived and 7 years later, in 1919, its first couture collection was presented. Couture fashion was rapidly evolving into an influential industry and Patou was all too aware of this and eager to make his mark. The expansion of the couture phenomenon pushed Patou to seek business in America as well as in France, even organising a contest in New York in 1924, for American models to work in Paris as Patou-house models. Press coverage was extensive and the Patou house garnered immense publicity.(4 oxfordartonline) It is impossible to underestimate the cultural significance of such an event;- today's Next Top Model reality shows definitely bear a link back to Patou's vision.

Another example of Patou being revolutionary in the way he thought of fashion was making sportswear a designer garment. In 1925 Patou opened a boutique - Le Coins Des Sports- where each room, on the ground floor, was dedicated to garments designed for a different sport.
Perhaps Patou's women's tennis wear is most kno...

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...king at the Jean Patou house so many years after Patou's death described seeing, "extraordinary things", and being taught by Mr. Gabriel who, having worked with Patou, " taught me everything about fabrics." (2)

Patou's designs may be synonymous with the clean, understated beauty of simplicity but, Patou was also successful at combining this aesthetic with one which was altogether more glamorous, flamboyant, dazzling, sparkling; perhaps another connection to the almost overwhelming, raw beauty and dazzling light of Southern Europe and the influence of his war years. Patou was able, therefore, by use of sparkling crystals, exquisite gold and silver embroidery and luxurious silks and satins, to take an outfit from casual through to glamorous- daywear to evening wear in one and, once more, an indication of how ahead of his time he was in his concepts and work ouput.